Which side of Costa Rica is best for beaches?

For beaches: Again, both. Although, the Pacific Coast has the greatest diversity in beaches. The Northern Coast is the dryest- with beaches backed by dry forest and cacti. As you move south, the beaches get lusher and wilder – with more wildlife.



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Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast is also known as the Gold Coast thanks to a dry and warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle.

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The Papagayo Peninsula — on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — is the best place to stay in Costa Rica if you're looking for an upscale resort experience.

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Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
  • Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenorio Volcano National Park.
  • Corcovado National Park.
  • Pacuare River Rafting.
  • Arenal Volcano.
  • Cahuita National Park.
  • Punta Uva Beach.


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The 18 best places to visit in Costa Rica for first time travelers
  • San José: The country's bustling capital. ...
  • Tortuguero National Park: a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles. ...
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: sure to wow Costa Rica first-timers. ...
  • Arenal Volcano: a must-visit for anyone going to Costa Rica.


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The safest places to stay in Costa Rica are:
  • Drake Bay – a good family destination.
  • Tamarindo – great for an all-encompassing beach experience.
  • Puerto Viejo – a romantic destination.
  • Liberia – near the wonderful Nicoya peninsula.
  • Jaco* – rich in expat communities (see notes)


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With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea pounding the other side, Costa Rica's beaches are famous for having big waves and fast currents. These are perfect for surfing, but not so much for gentle, safe swimming.

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It's more affordable While Costa Rica is generally not a cheap destination, the Caribbean coast is somewhat less expensive than the Pacific, partially due to the lack of luxury accommodations and dining options you can find on the Pacific side.

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What do we recommend? If you only want to relax, eat, sleep and drink, then you should go to an all inclusive resort. If you want to see and experience the real Costa Rica, you should not go to an all inclusive.

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The first step is to choose your main interest and select the places you'd like to visit. Costa Rica offers a variety of diverse locations, like: beaches and mountains, volcanoes and forests, rivers and hot springs, among many others. Second, choose the type of activities that will enhance the experience in Costa Rica.

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The Gulf of Papagayo has the most amount of white sand beaches in Costa Rica since the Gulf is made up of many little bays.

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  • Violent crime, including carjackings and 'express kidnappings', is increasingly common in Costa Rica. Criminals often target tourist areas, resorts, transport hubs and public transport. ...
  • Petty crime is common. ...
  • Credit card fraud is a risk. ...
  • Nationwide strikes and roadblocks have occurred.


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Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget. Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer? Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability.

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#1: No Parties, No Big Waves, Just Relaxing at Hermosa Beach in Guanacaste. Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Some people like to pack their itinerary with activities. If that isn't you, Playa Hermosa has the beach scene you're craving.

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The hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November. The most severe hurricane to make landfall in Costa Rica in the past 12 months was »«.

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September and October are Costa Rica's rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero.

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We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another.

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Even though Costa Rica is in Central America, one of the biggest misconceptions is that it is a cheap country. Do not expect prices to be like Southeast Asia or Mexico. Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Central and South America for living and traveling.

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The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is during the green season or rainy season, May to November. As the largest influx of tourists visit Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April), that is the most expensive time to visit. Read more about Costa Rica weather to know what to expect.

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